November 2013
An apprentice on one of Rydon’s regeneration sites has won a Star Apprentice award from the Building Lives training academy and also received £100 worth of new tools from Travis Perkins.
Ben Hicks, who works at the regeneration of the Durand Estate in Sutton, was one of three Star Apprentices selected by Building Lives, an initiative that runs a number of academies with partners from colleges, social landlords, community groups and contractors.
Before joining Building Lives and Rydon, Ben had been long term unemployed. He was originally in the construction industry, but lost his job after an injury and then struggled to get back into employment until he joined his apprenticeship with Building Lives and secured a site placement with Rydon.
Upon receiving the award, Ben said: “With the support that Rydon and Building Lives have provided, I feel that I am progressing well in a job that I enjoy doing and I am grateful for their help. I’m very proud to receive this award and these tools will come in really handy working on site.”
Ben was accompanied by Richard Whitby, Contracts Manager and Will Hughes, Senior Site Manager at Rydon as well as Sara Tutton, Property Director at Sutton Housing Partnership. Commenting on the award, Richard added: “We have been so impressed by Ben’s hard work since he started working with us on site. He is an excellent apprentice - full of enthusiasm for the job and always has a smile on his face. I am sure he will continue to do well in his construction career.”
For more information on Building Lives, please visit www.buildinglives.uk.com